Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund

Eligible organizations include: other levels of government, public agencies, school boards and Markham Community Groups including: Markham-based community ratepayer associations and local organizations, such as conservation groups, Scouts, etc.

Multi-jurisdictional groups, such as NGOs, or other organizations may be considered if there are clearly demonstrable benefits in the City of Markham, conditional on such groups working with a local Markham community group.

A maximum of 3 schools may receive funding per funding cycle, to a maximum of $5,000 each. Schools must be “Zero Waste” Schools (have an organic waste program) to be eligible starting in 2013.

Individuals and “for profit” organizations are not eligible. Any project that results in a direct financial private benefit to the fund recipient is not eligible.

Projects are required to meet at least one, if not more, of the following objectives:

• A leading environmental innovation – for example, a pilot project – that can be showcased by the City of Markham
• Promote education, understanding and participation in environmental sustainability in  Markham
• Support Markham’s environmental policies and strategic plans ie Building Markham’s Future Together (BMFT)
• Enhance the health, resilience and sustainability of our ecosystem and natural environment

Note: Applications that do not meet any of these criteria will not be considered

• Projects must be within the City of Markham and initiated by members of the Markham community or a community group in Markham
• Applicants can request a maximum of $10,000 from the Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund per project per year
• Applicants may only apply once a year for projects that will be completed within that same one-year time frame (12 months from issuance of cheque)
• Only materials and equipment costs are eligible for funding from the Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund (consulting services are not eligible)
• Project must demonstrate measurable results
• Project must be demonstrable, widespread and lasting environmental benefits for the Markham community
• Groups that received funding for projects which have not been completed and reported on are not eligible for future funding
• Funding will not be granted where projects have been commenced

MARKHAM ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY FUND: PAST PROJECTS

Does your project support one of the following objectives:

• A leading environmental innovation – for example, a pilot project – that can be showcased by the City of Markham
• Promote education, understanding and participation in environmental sustainability in Markham
• Support Markham’s environmental policies and strategic plans ie Building Markham’s Future Together (BMFT)
• Enhance the health, resilience and sustainability of our ecosystem and natural environment

Green themes to consider:

• Clean air awareness
• Climate change and carbon reduction
• Energy efficiency
• Water conservation
• Wildlife habitat restoration/naturalization activities

Application Process:

• Download the Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund Application [PDF] and submit to sustainabilitygrant@markham.ca by March 31, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST

Guidelines [PDF]
Photo & Video Consent Release Form [PDF]

What is the Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund?
The Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund is a municipal program that provides funding for innovative, environmental initiatives that contribute to the sustainability, health and protection of Markham’s natural environment.

What is the purpose of the Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund?
The fund provides financial resources for projects within Markham that deliver demonstrable, widespread, environmental benefits to the Markham community.

Who can apply?
Markham-based community groups such as ratepayer associations, conservation groups, schools and other levels of government are non-profit organizations are eligible to apply.

• Applicant must be working with a local Markham organization
• Schools must be “Zero Waste” (have an organic waste program) to be eligible; maximum of 3 schools per funding cycle, may receive funding to a maximum of $5,000 each.

Can businesses apply?
Individuals and “for profit” organizations are not eligible. Any project that results in a direct financial private benefit to the fund recipient is not eligible.

What kind of projects qualify?
Projects that receive funding are required to meet at least one, if not more, of the following objectives:

• A leading environmental innovation – for example, a pilot project – that can be showcased by the City of Markham
• Promote education, understanding and participation in environmental sustainability in Markham
• Support Markham’s environmental policies and strategic plans ie Building Markham’s Future Together (BMFT)
• Enhance the health, resilience and sustainability of our ecosystem and natural environment

Note: Applications that do not meet any of these criteria will not be considered.

What are the requirements?

• Projects must be within the City of Markham and initiated by members of the Markham community or a community group in Markham
• Applicants can request a maximum of $10,000 from the Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund per project per year
• Applicants may only apply once a year for projects that will be completed within that same one-year time frame (12 months from issuance of cheque)
• Only materials and equipment costs are eligible for funding from the Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund (consulting services are not eligible)
• Project must demonstrate measurable results
• Project must be demonstrable, widespread and lasting environmental benefits for the Markham community
• Groups that received funding for projects which have not been completed and reported on are not eligible for future funding
• Funding will not be granted where projects have been commenced

What are some suggested projects?
Consider these Green themes:

• Clean air awareness
• Climate change and carbon reduction
• Downspout disconnection/rain barrel program
• Energy efficiency
• Environmental and natural gardening promotion and education
• Green roof promotion and implementation
• Water conservation
• Wildlife habitat restoration/naturalization

How do I apply?
Download the Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund Application [PDF] and submit to sustainabilitygrant@markham.ca by annual deadline.

How are projects evaluated?
The Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund staff committee will review, discuss and score all applications for each funding year and make recommendations to Council for approval. Recommendations, including grant amount and conditions are assessed based on:

Impact
How well does the proposal identify a need, propose a solution and clearly state the hypothesis in terms of levers of change and potential to measurably advance one or more of Markham’s sustainability goals?

Realistic
Does the proposal offer a realistic plan for achieving its goals and objectives? Are the costs and timeframe reasonable?

Community Engagement
Does the project involve those affected by the proposed work and increase the skills and assets of Markham residents, where possible?

Community Benefit
Is the project inclusive and has the capacity to benefit all City of Markham residents?

Learning & Knowledge Transfer
Is there a plan and willingness to share findings and lessons with neighborhood organizations and members?

What happens after the project is completed?
Upon completion of the project, and no later than 12 months from delivery of the funding, you are required to submit your project report.

Project Report must include:

• Accurate accounting documenting how funding was spent
• Original copies of paid invoices
• Photographs and videos for review and promotion of the project
• Completed Video & Photo Consent Release Form
• Evaluation/description of the success/any shortfalls of the project

Who do I contact for more information?
We are happy to answer any questions you may have about your project. Please contact us at sustainabilitygrant@markham.ca.